Troubles in the Kingdom (My NH Players stay out please)

[orangefruitbat]

What if many of the nobles are annoyed with the Steel Regent due to the heavy taxes imposed on them (used to rebuild the nation)?

What if the Purple Dragons are annoyed with the Steel Regent due to cut-backs while they try to rebuild their numbers after the recent wars (money diverted to civil reconstruction)?

What if there is infighting amongst the Wizards Council and War Wizards, since they lack a strong leader like Vandergast to unify them?

What if an ambitious noble attempts to allow a Red Wizard to set-up shop?

What if an ambitious noble makes an alliance with the Princes of Shade, who are looking for revenge on Cormyr?

What if the Fire Knives see an opportunity to return to Cormyr?

What if the Cult of the Dragon had attempted to save Nauralthor (sp?) the Red from death, not realizing what she actually was, by magic jarring her right before her death?

And what if the recepticle for the magic jar was in the pomel of a fancy keen magic sword, which now was intelligent, with a powerful ego, and a number of other interesting abilities?

And what if, somehow, one of the PCs is now the wielder of this sword?

Hi all,

Lots of great suggestions.

Like I said, I'm still tossing around the possibilities in my head, so nothing has been determined yet.

I have read both "Cormyr" and "Death of the Dragon", and I do like to try to keep it consistant to past Canon, I try not to be constrained by it.

Things are so different now in Cormyr that I figure someone trying to discredit the throne and gain power would have a much easier time.

The PCs are 4th level now, and currently on their way to explore some ruins in Hermit's Woods (near Marsember) after exposing a Cyricist cabal in the city.

The party consists of: Human Paladin of Torm, Half Orc Cleric of Torm, Human Wizard, Human Rogue, Elven Fighter/Rogue, and a Human Fighter/Rogue. Currently they are operating under a charter and performing minor missions for a small town in the King's Forest.

Anyway, I'd like to start planting the seeds now as far as rumors, events, etc. and have this all start coming up later on. Then they can choose sides and maybe have an impact on it.

Two of the PCs are from noble families. The paladin is from a minor noble family (not one from the books) and the human fighter/rogue is actually a Crownsilver (one of the loyal noble houses). I figure this might set up some interesting conflicts if the Paladin's family sides with the usurper and the Crownsilvers stay true to the Crown.

Still just planning at this stage.

Please keep the ideas coming, they are very helpful.

Thanks

~MojoGM (Chris)

 

[ashockney]

Interesting stuff. Just out of curiousity, what do you think your players would prefer?

Intrigue/Espionage

Combat/Overthrow/Defend

Mystery

I think you could build the campaign, and the usurper very differently to accomplish any of the above. The question is what would your characters go for?

If you're looking to do the typical hack 'n slash combat and overthrow, I'd suggest making the usurper L/E. Using every means in his power, and bending the will of the law to his favor, in an effort to usurp the crown.

To throw in the intrigue and espionage, see above, but have him working very quietly. Underground movement, and peaceful demonstrations. Perhaps even winning support in "town halls" or "watering holes" and garnering support throughout the outskirts of the Forest Kingdom before tackling Suzail. I certainly like the ideas of forming partnerships with the Zhents and Sembians to get the necessary resources to accomplish his/her goals.

Mystery. All of the above, except working under a cloak of deception. Several layers will separate the PC's from the usurper at all times, until they choose to expend significant resources to find out who's behind all of these sweeping changes!

Good luck!

 

[MojoGM]

Interesting stuff. Just out of curiousity, what do you think your players would prefer?

Intrigue/Espionage

Combat/Overthrow/Defend

Mystery

I'd like to do a little of all three of these elements. What I'm planning is setting up the ground work (the usurper building a following and power base) for a few months (game time) and let the PCs hear about it.

Different PCs may be pulled onto different sides as their families choose who to support.

There may be opportunities to try to find out who is supporting the usurper and why.

To throw in the intrigue and espionage, see above, but have him working very quietly. Underground movement, and peaceful demonstrations. Perhaps even winning support in "town halls" or "watering holes" and garnering support throughout the outskirts of the Forest Kingdom before tackling Suzail. I certainly like the ideas of forming partnerships with the Zhents and Sembians to get the necessary resources to accomplish his/her goals.

Mystery. All of the above, except working under a cloak of deception. Several layers will separate the PC's from the usurper at all times, until they choose to expend significant resources to find out who's behind all of these sweeping changes!

Good luck!

Yes, this is what I'm thinking. The problem I'm having is exactly how to "set the stage". What clues/events/etc can the PCs encounter to let them know something is going on? How long should it be until something major happens?

I'm going to keep dwelling on it. I have some time (the PCs are exploring a dungeon that will take many sessions, and we play maybe once or twice a month at most), so there is no need for me to rush to a decision.

Thanks for all the good ideas

~MojoGM (Chris)

 

[ashockney]

I'd like to do a little of all three of these elements. What I'm planning is setting up the ground work (the usurper building a following and power base) for a few months (game time) and let the PCs hear about it.

Different PCs may be pulled onto different sides as their families choose who to support.

There may be opportunities to try to find out who is supporting the usurper and why.



Yes, this is what I'm thinking. The problem I'm having is exactly how to "set the stage". What clues/events/etc can the PCs encounter to let them know something is going on? How long should it be until something major happens?

I'm going to keep dwelling on it. I have some time (the PCs are exploring a dungeon that will take many sessions, and we play maybe once or twice a month at most), so there is no need for me to rush to a decision.

Thanks for all the good ideas

~MojoGM (Chris)

Think of encounters that would be three to four levels removed from the main usurper. Surrounding him (one level removed) is perhaps a "council" made up of advisors and trusted allies. Beneath them would be the equivalent of directors. These folks would manage between four and ten "key resources" that could be locations, platoons of troops, or even critical elements such as ten spellcasters. Beneath that would be lieutenants that command a troop of 15 - 30 people, or regional political contacts in towns. Finally, all the way down the ladder, would be the people at the grass roots level...rogues, bards, fighters, humanoids, or safehouses. I think plugging these folks into your "ongoing" campaign, and having them be recognized through some common symbol, letter, or notification as being "supporters" under a common lieutenant or director. They may be approached by a commoner, a tavernmaster, or a caravan guard and be solicited for their "support" in an important initiative. Ultimately, they may find and meet with a local lieutenant, or a whole band of recruiters/ruffians/rogues, carrying out a mission on behalf of the new usurper. Critical missions that these folks might get involved with could include things like: acquiring resources from key "nobles" and "supporters" of the current rulers; recruiting additional talent for their campaign; securing key strategic locations and safehouses where secret meetings can be conducted; collecting information on the whereabouts and resources of the kingdom; collecting and spreading information to disparage the kingdom and current rulers; coordinating "town militia" in far-flung outskirts of the kingdom for the mutual protection of a town...addressing humanoids or other oppressors proactively, etc.

Enjoy! Let us know how it turns out!